S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 to Leave Xbox Game Pass on November 16

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2's Game Pass Departure Looms: What Players Need to Know

Microsoft has announced a significant shake-up to its Xbox Game Pass library for November 2025, and among the departing titles is the highly anticipated S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. This move, affecting both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, means players have a limited window to experience the Zone through the subscription service. The departure of GSC Game World's ambitious project, alongside four other games, signifies the natural ebb and flow of the service, making way for exciting new additions.

A Farewell to the Zone and Other Favorites

As of November 15, 2025, gamers will bid farewell to a quartet of titles: Blacksmith Master (Windows), Football Manager 2024 (Windows + Console Edition), Frostpunk (Windows + Console Edition), and the charming Spirittea. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will also vanish from the service on the same date. This presents a tight deadline for enthusiasts eager to delve into these games before they become unavailable through Game Pass. For S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, the expected playtime ranges from a brisk 36 hours to a sprawling 134 hours, a substantial commitment for those looking to conquer the Zone.

Timing and Speculation: A PlayStation Connection?

Interestingly, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2's exit coincides with a significant milestone: its first anniversary of release. November 20, 2025, marks not only one year since the game's launch but also its highly anticipated arrival on the PlayStation 5. This strategic timing strongly suggests that the removal from Game Pass is directly linked to its expansion onto a new platform, potentially a move to streamline sales and licensing across different ecosystems.

New Arrivals Promise to Fill the Void

While the departure of beloved titles can be a somber occasion for subscribers, Microsoft is not leaving players wanting. The service is set to welcome a host of new games throughout November, aiming to replenish the library. Among the newcomers are 1000xRESIST (November 4), Football Manager 2026 (November 4), Dead Static Drive (November 5), Eggkik (November 6), Whiskerwood (early access, November 6), Voidtrain (November 7), Winter Burrow (November 12), and the much-anticipated Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 on its release day, November 14. The month continues with Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault in early access on November 19 and Monsters! The Road to N.I. (November 20). This influx of fresh content ensures that the Game Pass experience remains dynamic and engaging.

Beyond the Game Pass: Physical Edition Quirks

Adding another layer of intrigue to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 narrative, pre-orders have revealed an unexpected detail about its physical edition. Reports suggest that the physical release might be incomplete, a peculiar nuance that has piqued the interest of collectors and long-time fans alike. This development, while separate from its Game Pass status, adds to the ongoing conversation surrounding the game's launch and its broader market presence.

A Shifting Landscape and Subscription Realities

It's important to note that the list of incoming games is not exhaustive and may expand as the month progresses. Furthermore, this period of transition coincides with a recent price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, now set at $30 per month. Insiders speculate that this adjustment is a strategic response to the substantial financial implications of integrating the Call of Duty franchise into the service, a move that likely represents a significant investment and potential loss in direct sales that the price hike aims to offset. The evolving gaming landscape demands constant adaptation, both from developers and service providers.